Real Destination Wedding: Jenny & Nate at Hyatt Ziva Cap Cana

Photo Credit: Antonina Yurieva

Recently, I had the honor of planning a wedding for a couple named Jenny and Nate. They knew they wanted a sunny location with plenty of palm trees, outdoor activities, nightlife, and a beautiful beach to share with their close family and friends. However, they had no idea where they should go to make their dream wedding a reality.

With the help of our team, Jenny and Nate were able to find the perfect destination that checked all their boxes, and I couldn’t have been happier to see their vision come to life!

It’s moments like these that make me love what I do as a wedding travel advisor, and I’m thrilled to share the story of their wedding experience!

Photo Credit: Antonina Yurieva

Real Wedding Q&A with Stephanie and Jordan!

What were your biggest fears when planning a destination wedding?

Not being able to reach out and touch it. We were anxious knowing that the majority of the planning happens during the last couple of weeks — but with Ashley’s help and the experience of the resort staff, everything came together perfectly.

Is there anything about the actual destination wedding experience that surprised you?

We were positively surprised at the efficiency and organization of the Hyatt wedding team when we arrived three days prior to the big day. Shout out to Marta — a literal wedding coordinator angel!

What is your favorite memory of your destination wedding?

The wedding day itself, of course. But the catamaran on Saturday following the wedding is something our guests will talk about forever. Ashley recommended an amazing company and helped us organize this excursion. It was such a fun day and experience for everyone to leave the resort for a few hours!

Did you splurge on anything travel or wedding related? If so, what was it and was it worth it?

DJ Majuto was worth every penny of the outside vendor fee. We added a crazy hour to the last hour of our reception and it was so fun and entertaining!

Did you attempt to save on anything travel or wedding related? If so, what was it and was it worth it?

Minimal decor. Nobody remembers these details. Being at a destination wedding by the ocean was more than enough.

If you could change anything with your wedding (planning, the day itself, the location, resort, anything…), what would you change?

Use sunscreen!!!

Now that you’ve been through it, what is your #1 best piece of advice for wedding couples entering the planning process?

Stay organized and stay patient — it will all come together. Pictures and vision boards were helpful while planning from a distance. Pick the few things that are the most meaningful to you and your significant other, and don’t stress about the rest. Bring glow sticks!

What kind of feedback did you get from your guests?

Best wedding ever! All-inclusive is the way to go and I would highly recommend the Hyatt Ziva/Zilara to anyone traveling to the DR.

In what ways did Alpaca Your Bags Travel make this less stressful for you?

Coordination, coordination, coordination. Ashley and her team handled all the questions and conversations with our guests — and there was a lot. Ashley felt like way more than a travel advisor. She is comforting, gives great advice, and any time I felt anxious, she was there to support us. We wouldn’t want to have done any of it without her!

Is there anything we could have done differently/better?

Honestly, nothing. She met all of our expectations and we have actually referred her to two other couples who are having destination weddings.

Photo Credit: Antonina Yurieva

Photo Credit: Antonina Yurieva

Travel Advisor: Alpaca Your Bags Travel

Resort: Hyatt Ziva Cap Cana

Photographer: Antonina Yurieva